Competition to drive marine innovation
The UK’s Government body, Technology Strategy Board, has set up a funding competition for vessel efficiency, with the hope of driving marine innovation and technologies for carbon reduction, green propulsion and marine ICT.
Details of the competition are yet to be confirmed, however it is expected that it will cover most, if not all, aspects of efficiency in ships, boats, submarines and support vessels for offshore renewable energy, as well as maritime equipment and systems.
It will build on the industry roadmap which was supported by a sub group of Technology Strategy Board. The competition, which is open to marine companies throughout the UK including leisure marine and large shipping businesses, will develop a number of top priority themes for the industry which were identified by the industry roadmap in 2011, some of which are currently being addressed through other investments and national activities.
Competition themes are expected to include light weight materials and structures, smart materials and coatings, advanced navigation, vessel design including hydrodynamics, retro fitting and modifications to existing assets, and smart green propulsion, alternative low carbon fuels and emission reduction systems.
The maritime industry, including ship and boat builders and equipment and systems suppliers, will benefit from the Marine Vessel Efficiency competition when considering R&D plans for next year.
The competition is expected to open to the industry in January 2013. Three free events will be held in November and Decemeber around the UK which will be open to participants seeking more information about the scope of the competition, funding and networking with potential partners.
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